The name “SOLAR DRAGON” owes its inspiration to the year the house was designed; 2012, Chinese year of the Dragon. The design was influenced by traditional yoga and peace retreats of North India. A number of interior and exterior features were inspired from several traditional cultures. For example, the central pine support post, and the wood trim on the ceiling represents the Tree-of-Life. This symbol in several cultures reflects the values of recognizing and honouring all life. This is referred to as “all our relations” found in Turtle Island cultures.

Photos of Building Construction

AN INTEGRATED APPLICATION OF SOLAR TECHNOLOGY

Overall the house design uses many principals of applied ecology. The end result is perhaps the most advanced solar and self-sufficient house built in Alberta to date. Off-grid assures a zero carbon requirement for all future energy needs of the structure. Consequently, this house has a long lasting resilience for almost any climate related event which may be coming our way. It operating costs are very low. The exterior finish, a cement base stucco, is very robust and is virtually fireproof.

The house has a large passive solar heating contribution due to an expansive south-facing glazing in the central round living area. The wood biomass for the house can be sourced from the trees on the property.

The Solar Chimney: The design of the solar chimney is a demonstration of an attractive method to utilize solar thermal panels. Its design inspiration is an 800 year old temple still standing in North India. Solar hot air panels are mounted on the exterior south side of the solar chimney. This hot air is converted to hot water in a heat exchanger and stored in a large tank.